Premier League - Toure stars as City beat Palace to close gap on Liverpool

Yaya Toure of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on April 27, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Yaya Toure scored one and made one as Manchester City took full advantage of Liverpool's slip-up against Chelsea and closed the gap on the Reds to three points.

City were visibly buoyed by Chelsea's 2-0 win at Anfield, which blew this absorbing Premier League title race wide open again - and it didn't take City long to make it an even better day for them.

Toure, brilliant for the 65 minutes that he was on the field, crafted the fourth minute opener with a clipped cross for Eden Dzeko, whose powerful header hushed a boisterous Selhurst Park.

With half time approaching, Toure doubled City's advantage with a fine solo effort. The imposing Ivorian's powerful run and quick change of direction allowed him to arrow a delightful left-footed shot into the top corner.

Palace lacked the tempo and intensity that had seen them beat Everton and Chelsea in recent weeks, and City held firm on a day that could be a pivotal one in the title race.

The Eagles have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 11 league meetings with Manchester City.

Six of Man City’s last seven Premier League goals have come before half-time.

Man City’s last seven Premier League games in London have produced 27 goals.

TALKING POINT

Is today the day the title swung into City's hands? Yes. Liverpool's defeat by Chelsea was the start of a very good day for Manuel Pellegrini's side, who know that victories over Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham will make it hard for anyone to stop them. Liverpool need a favour from Everton, but will they provide it?

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MAN OF THE MATCH

Yaya Toure (Manchester City): Scored one and made one on his return from injury. Has now scored 19 goals from midfield for City; a fantastic return for a fantastic player.